Thinking about all the reasons we have for praising our LORD.

Depart in Peace

As a person gets older, they might think about something they would like to see in this world before they die. That’s how it was with Simeon, a very righteous and devout man of God. Because he was always longingly looking “for the consolation of Israel”, e.g. the Savior, the Holy Spirit said that he would literally see the Savior before he died.

So, when baby Jesus was presented to the LORD in the Temple, the Holy Spirit led Simeon to go there and see the Savior. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon declared in Luke 2:29-32,

Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.

Seeing the long-promised Savior brought great “peace” to Simeon’s heart. He was ready “to depart in peace“ — to die. God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples” the Savior who would be “a Light of revelation” to everyone. In other words, down through the ages God’s word kept giving detailed bits of information about the Savior and His lineage — and Jesus fulfilled every single detail. It was no secret that God loves us so much that our Savior would suffer and die to pay for all our sins.

Seeing in God’s word how God fulfilled all of His prophecies about our Savior, we too, can have peace We can rest in Isaiah 9:6,

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

In peace, we say, “Hallelujah! Our Prince of Peace has assured us of eternal salvation right now and the moment we die in faith.”